Star Discusses Making Algebra Work in Recent Webcast

Assistant Professor Jon Star was the featured speaker of the Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement’s webcast, Making Algebra Work: Instructional Strategies That Deepen Student Understanding on February 19.

“Algebra is a critical course for students,” Star said. “International studies and national assessments show students aren’t doing as well in algebra as we’d like them to. Thus it is important to think critically about how we can improve student performance in algebra and help teachers do a better job teaching algebra.”

According to Star, algebra is widely recognized as a “gatekeeper” course in that students who succeed in algebra are more likely to pursue additional educational opportunities such as taking and passing advanced math and science courses.

The webcast focused on the need for challenging mathematics courses, particularly algebra, and mathematics instructional strategies to help students learn. The webcast was intended for researchers, mathematics teachers at the middle school and high school levels, district-level mathematics experts, principals, and preservice educators.

A former middle school and high school math teacher, Star researches students’ abilities to learn math, particularly algebra, and instructional and curricular interventions that may promote the development of mathematical understanding. Most recently, Star worked with six other researchers developing a practice guide and recommendations to strengthen girls’ beliefs in their math and science abilities for the National Center for Education Research.